Strawflower…And More
The image above is an artistic rendering of a beautiful Strawflower that Bonnie recently planted in a planter in our backyard. The image directly below is a photograph of that same plant and its blooms. The difference between the two images is due to what I did and what I didn’t instruct the AI to do. For something as intricate as a flower, I either can’t describe it fully or lack the vocabulary, but I can add style and imagination that aren’t present in the original photo.
Many may prefer the original photo (directly below), and I can understand that, as it would be my preference in many cases as well. At least some preference is determined by the final image’s purpose or presentation.
.
For the final image below, I instructed the AI to create a depiction of a strawflower, and while I described the settings and circumstances under which the image should be produced, much like one would specify the details for a photograph, I did not provide a description of the strawflower itself, as I assumed that the AI already knows what a strawflower looks like or can easily find that information.
For your reference, I have included the complete instructions (prompt) I used below the AI-generated image from the prompt. Interestingly, this same prompt can produce a unique image each time it is used, even with the same AI, and especially when using different AIs.
AI Prompt: “Studio product macro, ultra-detailed — near-micro image of a yellow fully open strawflower bloom with buds and foliage rendered in photographic commercial quality. Multi-shot focus stacking for edge-to-edge sharpness, captured with a high-res medium-format sensor and a 120mm macro at f/8, ISO 50, with controlled strobe lighting (soft key + hair light) to create a gentle wrap and a crisp rim. 45-degree angled composition, slight tilt for dynamic flow, glossy dew accent, color-corrected RAW, retouched with clarity and micro-contrast to reveal every fiber of the strawflower’s papery petals and bud textures for print and advertising use.”
Discover more from MeanderingPassage
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
I like all three renderings, Earl. Conventional photography would have a difficult time trying to reproduce results like this, especially considering the amount of time it takes to make these. I haven’t been to school in a long while, but I’m willing to bet a week’s pay that they are teaching photography students AI reproductions at RIT. I haven’t jumped into the pool yet but it’s only a matter of time. Good work!
It’s a bit like the wild west with AI graphics/art at the moment, but that’s been the norm for most new media and methods. At this point, I’m finding that it still takes a lot of human interaction/skill/imagination to take an image beyond the minimum to make it into what might be called art. Thanks, Ken, and it’s good to hear from you. Have a good weekend!
I am amazed how AI and you are creating such art! My favorite is the third one. And, that may be because it does not look like a photograph. Show me more,please.
I’m sure there will be more examples of photography and AI here. The more I explore, the more possibilities present themselves.
Very interesting and quite beautiful result. The AI image has a clear three dimensionality that really makes it pop off the page.
Thanks, Howard. I find it fascinating not only because it raises questions about the process, the image, and art, but also for other reasons. There is a sense of freedom involved. If you can imagine something and describe it in enough detail, AI can likely create it fairly well. I’m not at that level yet, and there’s a good chance I’ll hit my own limits before I discover any with AI graphics. The old brain is not as flexible as it used to be. 🤔